Let's be real-some holiday drinks are just excuses to stand around a steaming punch bowl and act like you're festive. This Winter Wassail Mulled Wine, made just from Trader Joe's spiced Winter Wassail and red wine, is different-it demands to be sipped by the fire, in fuzzy socks, while watching bad Hallmark movies.
With only two ingredients, this recipe is as easy as it is comforting. It's hot, it's boozy, and it gives your leftover Wassail bottle the redemption arc it deserves. Plus, your kitchen will smell like holiday heaven in minutes.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Two-ingredient magic: No hunting for spices-just pour, heat, and sip.
- Super cozy: Warm spices + red wine = instant hygge.
- Versatile base: Whether you use premade Wassail or homemade, it still rocks.
What does Trader Joe's Winter Wassail taste like?
This drink is primarily fruity in flavor thanks to the balance of juice with peach schnapps. The vodka doesn't add flavor, but it does add strength. After you take a sip, you'll notice the fruit followed by the spices that immediately follow them. You can read my full review of it here.
Tips on Making Winter Wassail Cocktail
- Avoid boiling: Keep the heat low so you don't boil off the alcohol or scorch the spices.
- Customize it: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves if you want extra warmth.
- Batch it: Multiply ingredients and heat in a slow cooker for easy sipping all night long.
Creative Serving Suggestions
- Serve in mugs with cinnamon sticks and orange wheels-Impress your holiday guests without breaking a sweat.
- Pair with gingerbread or shortbread cookies for a spiced-sweet combo.
- Turn it into a party punch by adding soda water or sparkling apple cider before serving.
Watch Me Make This (32 Seconds)
Ingredients
- Optional garnish: orange slices, cinnamon stick
- ½ cup (4 oz) red wine
- ¼ cup (2 oz) Trader Joe's Winter Wassail
Instructions
State the directions for using and if there were any difficulties.
- Step 1: Add red wine and winter wassail to a pan. Turn the heat on low. Stir until you see steam or vapors. Remove from heat.
- Step 2: Pour into heat resistant glassware like mugs or your Irish Coffee glasses.
- Step 3: Garnish, sip when it is the right temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Totally. Adjust the ratio for a sweeter, spicier effect-just heat to taste.
You can skip it and enjoy the Wassail solo, but the wine adds a rich body that feels extra festive.
Go with an affordable, fruity red-Cabernet, Merlot, or any table wine works great.
Other Trader Joe's Inspired Recipes
Copycat Oven Baked Cheese Bites
Spicy Jalapeno Limeade Margarita
Winter Wassail Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- ½ cup Red Wine Pick one that you enjoy, but one that isn't too expensive.
- ¼ cup Trader Joe's Winter Wassail
Instructions
- Heat in red wine and Winter Wassail in a pan until you see seam/vapor rising.
- Do not boil.
- If it gets cold or too much was prepared, leftovers (or cooled drink) can go into the microwave for 30 seconds on high. Test to see how hot it is. If not warm enough go in 15 second intervals until ideal temperature is attained.
Video
Notes
- Use a wine you actually enjoy drinking, but save the expensive stuff for drinking.
- This works with both sweet and dry wines, but the winter wassail will add a touch of sweetness
- Garnishing this is completely optional but makes it look pretty and festive
- Don't boil the wine, you want to stop heating it when you see steam or vapor rising
Rebecca B Hodges says
I usually use 1 bottle of sweet red wine to 1 bottle of Winter Wassail. I often heat it in the slow cooker for a party. I keep leftovers in a summer glass drink container in the fridge and the easily pour and heat one mug at a time.
becomebetty says
Sounds delicious! Thanks so much for sharing.